Beltran joins Yankees

NEW YORK — Closer to the end of his long career than the start, Carlos Beltran finally got to put on the uniform of his favorite childhood team.

The eight-time All-Star was introduced at a Yankee Stadium news conference Friday after signing a three-year deal worth $45 million that was agreed to two weeks ago but made official on Thursday.

Sporting his No. 36 jersey and joined by his two daughters and his wife, Beltran talked about how much he admired the Yankees while growing up in Puerto Rico, and how close he came to joining them in 2005. But both sides that year, including former owner George Steinbrenner, just couldn’t come to terms, leaving Beltran no other choice but to ink a seven-year deal with the Mets. Although he would have taken less than the $119 million that they gave him.

“Having the opportunity to come back again as a Yankee really means a lot to me. I grew being a Yankee fan. Grew up being a Bernie Williams fan. At one point I almost got the opportunity to sign with the Yankees. It didn’t work out,” Beltran said. “But at the end of the day what is in the past, is in the past. I’m looking forward to joining this ballclub, looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Beltran’s deal was the team’s third high-profile signing since Robinson Cano bolted for Seattle and $240 million. With a glaring hole at catcher, Brian McCann was brought aboard for a five-year, $85 million contract. Longtime rival and former Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury agreed to a seven-year, $153 million deal that essentially ended Cano’s days in The Bronx.

Beltran hit .296 for the Cardinals last season with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs in 145 games.